Reviews

2011 Porsche 911 Introduction

The Porsche 911 delivers supercar performance yet it's easy to drive and live with as a daily driver.

The current-generation model, designated 997, is the best ever. It was launched for the 2005 model year. The Carrera engines were revised for 2009, and the dual-clutch automated manual transmission called the PDK, or Porsche Doppel Kupplungsgetreibe, was introduced. The 911 Turbo was upgraded with a new engine for 2010 and a racy 911 GT3 and an even racier GT3 RS were introduced.

For 2011, a 911 GT2 RS joins the lineup, but all 500 units have been sold.

Also, 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera models come with more standard equipment than before. Bluetooth and a universal audio interface for MP3 players come standard on all 2011 911 models, and options have been bundled into new packages.

The 2011 Porsche 911 lineup includes Coupes, Cabriolets, and a Targa. The least-expensive 911 Carrera is a fast car; S models are even faster. The Turbo is a supercar. The GT3 models are dual-purpose car for track and street. An ultra high-performance, rear-wheel-drive GT2 joins the lineup for 2011. Most models offer endless options. Just about every possible combination is available between coupe and Cabriolet, 3.6-liter and 3.8-liter engines, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

The Carrera coupe (sometimes called Carrera 2) is a fantastic sports car, exceedingly enjoyable to drive, and quite comfortable. It is the classic 911. The Carrera 4 adds the traction and handling benefits of all-wheel drive and is loaded with active safety features; it's the best choice for rain and winter weather, an unbeatable foul weather car. Cabriolet versions put the wind in your hair and sun in your face. The Targa features a clever clear roof that slides back to provide a top-down feeling.

The Porsche 911 Turbo is one of the easiest supercars to live with in daily use. It's more user friendly than its competitors, from the Corvette ZR1 to the Ferrari F430 to the Lamborghini Gallardo. Getting in and out of it is relatively easy. It rides smoothly and comfortably by sports car standards. It's happy to putt around town all day at a Buick pace, particularly with the PDK transmission. It's easy to drive, whether poking along in rush-hour traffic, streaking down a highway, charging up a mountain road, or working the tires and brakes on a racing circuit. It's neither fragile nor unreliable. Plus, it has a 500-horsepower, turbocharged engine in back. The all-wheel drive and the world's best, most sophisticated brakes make it easy to charge into corners. It really is a terrific car.

The GT3 is the choice for true performance enthusiasts as it sheds weight and is the liveliest 911. The GT3 RS is like this only a little more.

The new 911 GT2 RS boasts 620 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter engine. Porsche calls it the most powerful street-legal Porsche ever.